Seven Days of Goodness

All the reasons why this week was a great way to lead up to the New Year.

1. On the Thursday before Christmas we went to Ethel M Chocolates and walked through the cactus gardens with Blake's family. Getting a chocolate at the end of the factory tour. (I suspect it is because they make you stand in that eye burning pink room.)



2. On Christmas Eve we went to Grandma Dana's house and played, ate, and danced. (If you look closely at the second picture Laney is putting Barbie shoes on her fingers. "These boots are made for walking.")


3. Singing on the pot...well...it just makes everything better. Especially if "Santa is coming to town."


4. Gavin and Laney opening presents on Christmas.
5. Gavin getting a Laptop computer and Laney getting a Strawberry Shortcake Doll.
6. Gavin getting more excited to play with the Strawberry Shortcake Doll. (I think he actually shrieked when Laney opened it.)


7. Having a Fancy dinner and inviting Blake's family and our friends the Snavelys.

8. Getting "my shop on" the day after Christmas at Target, Pier 1 and Pottery Barn with Cathy and Carolyn.
9. Getting my bangs cut (to avoid the "mom" curled under bangs that plague my thoughts) by Carolyn.
10. Blake having a week off of work so I only had to change part of the diapers instead of all of them.

All But One...

All but one of these things happened today. The people that live on the corner got an eviction notice. When I heard the news I did a little jig and contemplated throwing a block party. Then I chastised myself for being evil.
While in the bathroom getting ready I heard a soft thump and then some wailing from Laney. Gavin proceeded to run into the bathroom to escape the accusation of it being him that knocked down the Christmas tree causing the new ornaments that we got for Gavin and Laney in Disney World to break. If a christmas tree falls in the family room and you aren't by it when the crap hits the fan did the tree really fall?
While going to the bathroom Gavin misjudged his aim and peed all over the floor. I would liken it to the size of a small lake.

I baked enough sweets today to: 1) feed a small army. 2) feed the starving kids in Africa.
3) make a small child stay up for 5 days straight due to a sugar high.
With Gavin and Laney's powers combined they managed to dump out every toy they own. And some I am pretty sure are not ours.
Gavin playing Evil Knievel and jumping off of the couch. Gotta get your kicks some how right?
Taking a shower with the door closed. Only to have my kids bang on it, cry beside it and stick their fingers underneath it the entire time I am in there.
Laney deciding that she was going to be her own canvas and coloring all over herself. Now she is truly a piece of work.

Gavin's Snow Globe

Gavin's prayer last night went something like this:Dear Heavenly Father thank you for this day. Please bless everything. In the name of Jesus...oh...Thank you for my snow globe. Thank you that we could go to Target and get me my snow globe. Thank you that I could shake my snow globe and play music. Thank you for mommy getting me my snow globe. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Friends

The other day we were asking Gavin if he would want another brother or sister (This is not an announcement! Or the pre-announcement announcement!) and he said "I like Laney." OK, but would you want another brother or sister? "I like Laney she is my friend." I think that the feeling is mutual. We are indeed lucky parents.

She Bangs! She Bangs! (To the tune of Ricky Martins She Bangs!)

Yesterday morning while getting ready for Church I cut bangs. On some random whim I decided that bangs were for me. Immediately after cutting them I had bang remorse. Now however I think I have come to grips with my bangs...so here they are! (I like them, they are something new and I always like to change it up once in a while. )

It Must Be In the Jeans Or the Lack Thereof

Gavin is learning how to put his underwear on. This is his most recent attempt.

My mom says that it must be hereditary...This is me with my underwear on sideways. (I would like to point out that at least Gavin is indoors with crooked underwear not outside enjoying the neighborhood.)

Grandma Miller

My Mom came to visit from Washington this last weekend. She stayed for 5 days and we loved every minute of it. Gavin and Laney were especially excited to have another Grandma to love them and play with them. During her stay we went down to the Bellagio Atrium. (They have it decorated for all the seasons.)

Later that night we went out to dinner with another Grandma. Grandma Dana (Blake's Mom.) We had a fabulous dinner and then some very tasty deserts. Gavin and Laney were grubbing down on the creme brulee.

We had a lovely time and can't wait till Grandma Miller visits again!

Christmas Time

When I think of Christmas I think of all things good...Our Savior, giving to others, the smells, the lights, the Christmas music, Everything that is good in people seems to come out around Christmas time. That is, unless you live in our neighborhood. Someone came and Stole Christmas Lights off of our house. Am I the only one that thinks that might be the rudest thing ever!!

How it All Began

Snack time at our house starts out like snack time anywhere else I am sure. With some goldfish crackers. "The snack that smiles back."

The question on every ones minds is how does this little cracker end up looking like this?

If there have ever been those people (Aunt Sarah) that wonder why my kids are naked. I give you "the goldfish cracker" as a perfect example of how something so little could go so terribly wrong.

Gavin was unscathed by the cracker "incident."

The Things they Discover

Just some random pictures of Laney being cute....and then lo and behold she has found her nose. We just finished breakfast when these pictures were taken. Hopefully she is not looking for a snack.

Sweet and the Beast

Laney is so funny. That is really the only way that I can describe her. I realize that all people think that their children are funny, but come on...Laney really is. She does not really talk yet. She says a few words but only Blake and I hold the secrets to her language. See if you can figure it out.

I call this video

SWEET:

I call this video

THE BEAST:

When I say that she doesn't talk I mean that mostly she just barks. This video is the perfect example of her barking. I have to admit that I knew what was going to happen when I put Gavin up to this. Whether you speak "bark" or not you will most definitely understand this.

Just Cute

While we were in Beaver Gavin and Ethan (my cousins little boy) got along great. It was nice to have someone around for Gavin to play with. While the husbands were out shooting rabbits one day my sister Sarah and I made some headbands. Gavin and Ethan just happened to be our guinea pigs. However, after we were done trying them on them they wanted to keep them on. What can you do if a boy just wants to accessorize?


Gavin and the boys playing the piano.

Laney getting in a little playing too. (Look at those ears....like a little elf)

Enjoying a tasty treat thanks to Aunt Sarah.

Angelina Jolie Eat Your Heart Out!

We went to Beaver this weekend for Thanksgiving. "What's in Beaver Utah?" you ask....My Aunt Kim. While we were there Aunt Sarah bought these wax lips for Gavin. Not only did these lips make us feel very nostalgic, they were also funny.

Gavin standing patiently while we take pictures.

Posing for us. What a good sport he is!

My Dad joined in the fun. Nothing makes a good picture like big lips. (Yes, Gavin's are upside down.)

I love me some big lip kissing!